This Love Hurts (This Love Hurts 1)

“He was hired to protect them. He paid off the cops who tampered with the evidence of your case that was just dismissed.”

“The case against Ross Brass?” I question, little pieces of the puzzle falling into place. My tired mind catching up on details. Ross Brass was let go after evidence was handled improperly. “Ross paid this man to get him off and to threaten me?”

“Yes.”

“Why threaten me? Why—” Before I can practically fall into the familiar steps of conducting an interrogation to uncover motive, Marcus answers simply. As he speaks, his shadow shifts, and the floor creaking drags my gaze back to him.

“Because you mocked him. You bruised his sensitive ego. Apparently he doesn’t like the notion of rotting in hell.” His words sink in, my mind finally filled in and crisper than it was ten minutes ago. I’m not certain I believe Marcus. To threaten someone under the DEA… after he got off scot-free? He’d have to be an idiot to do it.

“How do you know that?”

“Because I do.”

“How can I prove that?”

His answer comes just as quickly as my question. A tit for tat, a back-and-forth. Although I don’t care for his conclusion. “You can’t.”

The revelation sits between us, the air thickening. My initial thought was that the threat was from Ross in some way, but not directly. A fan or an accomplice. If they rot, you rot with them.

“You didn’t sleep and I thought the information would give you some peace.” Marcus’s comment brings me back to the present. To the other monster taking control of my life.

“That’s why you’re here?”

“That and to tell you those men outside are unreliable and can’t be trusted.”

“If they knew you were here—”

“They wouldn’t do anything because Taylor’s right-hand man works for Brass. He’s in his pocket.”

“No—”

He cuts me off, saying, “Taylor you can trust, but I wouldn’t count on the others.”

He’s met with silence as the heat kicks on and I’m suddenly very aware of how the lowered temperature has wrapped itself around me.

“I’ll protect you.”

“Why?” The single word leaves me breathless as I stare at the unmoving shadow. Why me? Why does he care? I have to ask and fear settles inside of me, knowing that wasn’t the right move. For some mysterious reason, this man feels a connection between us; I’m only safe because of that. With a cold sweat lingering on my skin, I know I’ve messed up.

Marcus doesn’t answer. Instead he says something entirely unexpected.

“I know you’re going to want to tell him. You trust Cody more than me. I’m all right with that. I accept it and he’ll be able to pull strings I can’t. Tell him.”

There’s a pain etched in his voice and I hate that I feel sympathy. I shouldn’t feel anything for this man.

The shadow moves, an arm raising as he adds, “I’m going to leave a USB flash drive with some files for you.”

“Why are you helping me?” I question him further, needing an answer. Tell me the truth, Marcus, a voice pleads in the back of my head.

He ignores me, taking a small step forward as he says, “I want you to close your eyes and when you do, I’m going to come near you.”

My heart pounds and my throat tightens.

“You won’t open your eyes.”

It takes great effort not to step backward as Marcus moves forward again, only a single step.

“Keep them closed,” Marcus commands and I can only nod, fear stealing my voice.

He takes another step forward, blue jeans coming into view and my eyes close. With my hands fisted, I grip my cotton tank top to keep from moving.

“Stay still and keep them closed.” This time when he speaks, his voice is clearer and his steps easy to place. There’s a clink on the counter; I imagine he’s set the flash drive down there but then he takes another step forward.

“I give you something, and I’d like something, Delilah.” His soft voice is comforting, a soothing balm although it barely penetrates the nerves.

I can only nod.

Another step, and then another. I count them in my head until I can feel the heat of his body and the presence of his shadow over me, blocking the light, wrapping me in darkness.

“I’m going to cover your eyes with my hand,” he tells me and then adds, “And then I’m going to kiss you.”

My fists tighten and my lips part just slightly, maybe to object, I don’t know but it all happens too fast.

My feet move backward, his steps just as fast as mine, until my back hits the fridge. His hand presses against my eyes and his other at my hip, pinning me there as his lips meet mine.

Soft, yet demanding. It’s all too hot and overwhelming. His body pressed against me sends a bolt of longing through me as he molds his lips to mine and groans deep and low in his chest. The vibrations only add to the flick of desire that comes with the flames of danger.